Technical Please help!!! Coolant Problem

[spjonesuk]

Fiat Punto MK1 1.7D 1996

Ive noticed that the coolant is slightly creamy in texture. Why?

There is no pressure when I take the cap off the coolant bottle. Why? and the coolant is very cool considering ive just driven 150 miles!! why? Im not loosing water.

Please help and thanks in advance.

Ive recently had all belts replaced. The fan belt does squeal when i start her up.

 

[rallycinq]

Sounds like the thermostat is stuck open.

When was the coolant last changed?

Cheers

SPD

 

[spjonesuk]

ive not changed it and ive had it for three months.

How do i check that? what should i do?

Thanks for the reply

 

[fingers99]

I'd be inclined to replace the thermostat rather than test it (can be done by removing it and placing it in a pan of water, bought to the boil, but you need to know what to look for). They're not overly expensive.

 

[spjonesuk]

Thanks for that! where is it and is it easy to get to the thermostat ? should i take it to the garage? or do it myself.

 

[fingers99]

Should be easy enough to do. I've never worked on a JTD (I avoid deisels!), but follow the top radiator hose back and it should be obvious enough. Any factor will sell you a thermostat.

 

[spjonesuk]

Cheers for that I will have a look in the morning. Is the thermostat stuck open due to the coolant or old age. I will obviously need to replace coolant?

 

[fingers99]

You'll loose a bit of coolant, but not a huge amount. Topping up (and a bleed if there are bleed screws) should suffice.

Generally they just wear out after a long time and will stick either shut or open.

 

[rallycinq]

However if the history of the coolant is not known it would be prudent to drain and refill with fresh new coolant while you are doing the thermostat.

Cheers

SPD

 

[spjonesuk]

Thanks for all the help!!! ill let you know what happens.

 

[spjonesuk]

Hello again, I had a look this morning at the car and the thermostat is very awkward to get to, so took her to the garage and the guy said if its stuck open it wont harm the engine if i dont get it fixed!! is that correct.

How do i test the engine fan as it never seems to come on, even whilst waiting in heavy traffic. Is this due to the thermostat being open ?

 

[fingers99]

It will do long term damage (engine will take forever to warm up, so oil gets contaminated with water, bores get worn more quickly) and fuel consumption will suffer.

I'd be inclined to get the fan circuit tested (it will be fused, so that's a good place to start).

 

[rallycinq]

You need to change your garage, if thats the standard of advise given.

If cars didn't need thermostats do you think the manufacturers would bother with the cost and complication of fitting them.

Diesels have less waste heat than petrol engines so need all the heat they can get.

Cheers

SPD

 

[spjonesuk]

Where should i get the thermostat from?

 

[rallycinq]

Where should i get the thermostat from?

Local factor

Cheers

SPD

 

[spjonesuk]

I cant find local factor on web do you have web address? or number? Thanks for all the help.

 

[rallycinq]

I cant find local factor on web do you have web address? or number? Thanks for all the help.

Thats not a business name. You are looking for 'Motor Factor' or similar in whatever business guide you use. In the UK we use Yell.co.uk, I am sure you have something similar.

Cheers

SPD

 

[spjonesuk]

Hello all, Ive just been quoted £100 from motor factor for thermostat but i must remove and send a pic before he sends me a new one!! Sounds abit pricey is it worth getting one from scrappy?

 

[fingers99]

That's an insane price. Where are you? I imported one from Greece (needed a special one for a turbo Cinq) -- it cost £21 including postage!

Or maybe something has gone missing in translation..........

 

[rallycinq]

Shop4parts have it at £53

http://www.shop4parts.co.uk/?name=store&op=Details&ProdID=478&sku=1811

Cheers

SPD